Nilton Santos

Team history

Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas

1948 - 1964

Nílton Reis dos Santos is a former Brazilian international football player who used to play for the Brazilian giants Botafogo. He played as a left winger and was known for his attacking propensity. Nilton Santos is considered a Brazilian agent and was named by Pele as one of the 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.

Nilton Santos commenced his footballing career at Botafogo in 1940 and played for them throughout his life at the life. He featured in 1004 games for Botafogo and scored 11 goals and retired as a Botafogo legend in 1976.

Nilton Santos made his international debut for Brazil in 1945 and played for his nation until 1968, scoring 3 goals in 75 matches. He played for the Brazilian national team at the 1954, 1958 and 1962 World Cup finals and featured quite prominently too, earning the reputation of being one of the best left wingbacks in the world. He was also a part of the Brazilian side for the 1950 World Cup finals but did not play in any match.

Nilton Santos is best remembered for scoring a great goal against Austria at the 1958 World Cup when he dribbled his way through the entire pitch and drove in a brilliant shot.